Computer Scientist

Computer Scientist: The Air Force Test Center is seeking a highly qualified Computer Scientist to support the development, integration, testing, and sustainment of advanced digital capabilities that enable the Air Force test and evaluation mission. The selectee will apply computer-science principles to solve complex technical problems, assess emerging technologies, and collaborate with engineers, program offices, and operational stakeholders to deliver secure, reliable, and mission-focused solutions. About the Role: The Air Force Test Center is looking to hire a Full-Time Computer Scientist (NH-1550-03) at the 96th Test Wing, Plans & Programs, Information Technology, Software Development Branch (96TW/XPID) at Eglin Air Force Base, FL. 96TH TEST WING MISSION: We test and evaluate state-of-the-art weapon systems and cyberspace capabilities, provide quality installation and mission support, and serve as responsible stewards of our resources to deliver war-winning capabilities. The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a senior computer scientist/computer engineer to perform software engineering and other professional work in the computer sciences/engineering and related scientific disciplines. To provide a technical authority in the areas of operating system theory, data structures, computer system architecture, software engineering and computer communications. APPLY NOW! THIS JOB CAN CLOSE AT ANY TIME! Location: Fort Walton Beach/Niceville Area, Eglin AFB, FL Typical 2026 salary range: $89,508 - $138,370 per year (includes locality) "If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the stated VOP, your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position." Telework Information: Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prescribed "Unscheduled Telework" Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible Incentives: • This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official. • This position MAY be eligible for paid relocation (Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs MAY be paid). Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official. • This position MAY be eligible for a Student Loan Repayment (SLR)incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official. Direct Hire Authority: NO 6-MONTH WAIT! Recently retired and/or retiring from MILITARY service ARE eligible for immediate appointment for AFTC positions. The 180-day waiting period has been waived for AFTC to hire recently retired and/or retiring service members Must have requirements or may not be considered: 1. Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft. 2. This position requires completion of a full 4-year curriculum in an accredited college leading to a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering. An advanced degree is preferred. 3. The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and overtime on an emergency. 4. This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The employee must meet, or be capable of meeting, Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act. (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position. Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements. Desired Skills: -At least 2 years of coding and unit test experience in software application development using Razor/Blazor, .NET, C#, T-SQL, JavaScript, CSS3, HTML5, and Web APIs. -At least 2 years of experience in SQL Server database design/stored procedures, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), and Team Foundation Server (TFS)/Azure DevOps/Git. -Experience working independently and within a software development team, with a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely (both written and verbal), interact with customers, quickly understand technical objectives, provide effective solutions, and troubleshoot and fix software bugs. Major Duties: - Translate user requirements into actionable software features and technical specifications. - Design and implement web application code, encompassing user interfaces (Razor/Blazor, .NET Core), client scripts, CSS stylesheets, C#, business logic, and Web APIs. - Design and modify database tables and schemas; write and maintain procedures and functions using T-SQL (experience in EF Core is highly desirable). - Perform comprehensive unit testing to ensure robust code functionality, security compliance, and system reliability. - Actively troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve software bugs and system issues. - Participate in architectural design and team meetings, conduct peer code reviews, and author formal software documentation. - Ensure all software development and engineering activities adhere to CMMI (Level 3) software development processes and integrate DevSecOps methodologies. - Collaborate effectively within a team environment and be able to work independently. Qualifications/Requirements: U.S. Citizenship (Required) PROBATIONARY PERIOD STATEMENT: (Required) - For All Positions Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. (NOTE: Typically, the 1-year probationary period is for Competitive Jobs, and 2-year trail period is for Excepted Jobs.) Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a "Secret" security clearance Education Requirements: 1. A bachelor's degree in computer science, or 2. A bachelor's degree in another field that includes at least 30 semester hours in a combination of computer science, mathematics, and statistics, including: • At least 15 semester hours in mathematics and/or statistics; and • Mathematics coursework that includes differential and integral calculus. The degree and coursework must be from an accredited or pre-accredited institution. DAWIA Certification: (if applicable) Must be able to obtain and maintain the required level of Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification within 9 months of assigned duties. Top 5-6 job related KSAs: (Required) 1. Application of the disciplines and science of analysis, design, development, implementation, test evaluation and maintenance of computer software and associated software products over the system software life cycle. 2. Ability to organize, prioritize, analyze, interpret and evaluate technical data, complex requirements and prediction of results in the solution of theoretical or practical data processing problems. 3. Extensive knowledge of complex data formats, systems architecture, data analysis and display concepts and automated computational processes and methodology to respond to customer requirements with versatility and sound judgment. 4. Ability to recognize and analyze problems, conducts research, summarize results, and provide appropriate recommendations and solutions to management. 5. Ability to plan and execute complex, multi faced projects and/or studies within established time, financial, and/or time constraints to resolve software engineering questions. 6. Skill and ability to negotiate complex issues, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, complex technical issues, report and briefing for senior military and civilian officials throughout the government and in private industry. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Air Force Civilian Service Employment Benefits: Paid Time Off: 11 Federal Holidays each year 13 sick leave days earned per year (accumulative) Paid Vacation Time: 13-26 days per year based on length of employment Health Insurance: No waiting period to qualify for you and your family Retirement: Immediate coverage by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Basic Benefits Plan Social Security: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), like a 401(k) (Automatically receive 1% agency contributions and up to 5% matching) Health & Wellness: Various Medical Flexible Spending Account Federal Long Term Care Insurance, and Life & Disability Insurance Work/Life Balance: Family and Medical Leave Act Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Flexible Work Arrangements (dependent on position) Career Development: Tuition Assistance & Professional Development opportunities Career enhancement and promotion opportunities To learn more about our benefits, please check out the AFTC Benefits Trifold at https://simplebooklet.com/260902aftcbenefitstrifold Federal Resume Tips: Resumes limited to two pages. Federal agencies now only accept resumes up to two pages in length. Learn more about the new resume requirements at: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include https://afciviliancareers.com/PDF/FederalResumeWriting.pdf Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Classification & Qualifications for Federal Government Employees: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/ Please visit the Air Force Test Center job board to view other career opportunities: https://www.aftc.af.mil/About-Us/Jobs/